Celebrating Black Music Month: Pittsburgh's rising stars

June was Black Music Month, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of talent. Black Music Month honors the contributions, creativity and individuality of Black musicians who have shaped American music across all genres. Pittsburgh has birthed greats like Mary Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Lena Horne and Erroll Garner.

Here are a few local Black musicians you can add to your playlist today.

Casaundra Williams

Casaundra Williams attended Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts magnet school, also known as CAPA. Williams is also the vocal teacher at CAPA. Her sound is an R&B style with a joyful and uplifting quality. In her most recent single, “Mama,” she invited the community to join her in celebrating the journey and the joys of motherhood. She reps Pittsburgh with constant pride. Her songs bring you inside her world and different stages of life.

Bird

Bird has the cadence and swag of most female rappers. Her tagline is “keeping it fresh, funky and cool,” and she does just that. Her lyrics are hypnotizing, and she maintains a consistent brand identity, whether it’s carrying her iconic umbrella or wearing a metallic wardrobe. The passion behind her lyrics evokes excitement and urgency that can only be understood through dedication. Her style is reminiscent of Queen Latifah or Foxy Brown from ‘90s hip-hop era.

Joziah Council

Joziah Council’s music is marked by expressive lyrics. His songs peer into his emotions and transparent thoughts, creating audio diaries that any listener can relate to. Council has an R&B sound similar to the familiar and beloved songs of the early 2000s from artists like Mario.

Chris Dreamer

Chris Dreamer, a local music artist and producer, dropped his EP “Dimension 9” last year. His sound has a classical sense, blending familiar piano sounds with pop and electric flares, and an overall house music and hip-hop beat. There are elements in his sound that feel transcendent and dreamlike.

INEZ

A multi-faceted and award-winning artist from Homewood, INEZ’s vocals have the smoothness and range of any great R&B singer. Her songs combine interludes of other sounds with harmonies that are calming and evoke passion.

Saige Smith

Saige Smith is a solo artist and part of the duo Samurai Velvet. Saige’s sound is a blend of neo-soul, pop, electric, and R&B. Many of their songs include vocals that wrap around the beat in such a complementary way that any song could end up on repeat.

Kenny Stockard

Alternative R&B artist Kenny Stockard was inspired to be a musician by his grandfather, who led worship services at church. Stockard’s sound includes a wide vocal range with jazz and neo-soul elements, akin to John Legend. His songs have an uplifting and redemptive element similar to many gospel songs.

Barbados Black

Barbados Black, who calls himself the “basey baritone,” has vocals accurately described by the name. Black is a multi-genre artist, giving listeners music they can vibe to on any summer day while driving with the windows down. His sounds and beats make you want to get up and dance. His latest release, “Yeah 3x,” is no exception.